The varsity baseball Owls opened Region Tournament play with a pair of competitive matchups against Briarcrest on Thursday and Friday.

In Game 1 on Thursday, the Owls were locked in a pitcher's duel but fell 2-0. Junior Doug Suddarth delivered a strong start on the mound, working six innings and allowing just two runs (one earned) to keep MUS within striking distance. Briarcrest pushed across the game's only runs in the fifth inning. Offensively, junior Foster Flaherty led the Owls with two hits from the leadoff spot.

The Owls returned to the field Friday for Game 2 and battled throughout but came up short in a 6-4 decision. MUS struck first in the opening inning on an RBI single from senior Reid McKnett, and later tied the game at two behind another RBI from Flaherty. Briarcrest responded with runs in the middle innings to regain the lead.

Junior Matthew Ray led the Owls with two RBIs, while McKnett reached base consistently with two hits and two walks. On the mound, senior Henry Moak turned in a strong effort, striking out eight over 4.1 innings. Defensively, MUS was sharp, playing error-free baseball and getting key contributions in the field.

The Owls showed resilience throughout both contests, competing in tight games against a strong region opponent.

#GoOwls